More DSS review findings expected soon

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) — Nearly a month after the Richmond auditor released a scathing report on the Department of Social Services, another report could be released as soon as Friday on the operations of the embattled agency. This time the review is coming from the state level.

“We talk about priorities and I think this is a critical one,” said Richmond Councilman Chris Hilbert.

Hilbert believes the work has already begun to try and fix Richmond’s the department.

The auditor’s report, which Hilbert admits was hard to read, highlighted that DSS made the removal of children from abusive homes almost impossible and did so to try and keep foster care numbers low.

Following the release of such findings the DSS Director and her deputy were asked to step down.

“We’re going to make an extensive search far and wide a national search and bring someone in,” said Hilbert.

CBS 6 found DSS Director Doris Moseley still on the job more than a week after her announced retirement in early May. We were told she’s was helping with a transition and her official last day at DD would be Friday, May 31, 2013. Coincidentally it’s the same day the state is expected to release the findings of their recent review of the agency.

“We expect the state report will confirm our findings,” said City Auditor Umesh Dalal.

Dalal believes his findings will parallel the state’s because they were doing investigations at the same time and collaborated. Dalal commends the administration for making leadership changes at the top but says the process of rebuilding this agency could be an overhaul.

“Social services has tremendous challenge in front of them because the damage has been done,” said Dalal.

Stay with CBS 6 News for the latest updates on this important local story.